Miami Dolphins' Caleb Sturgis (9) watches his kick sail through the uprights for a 58-yard field goal during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)

Carpenter, Miami's kicker the past five seasons, had his contract terminated. The move saves the Dolphins considerable money, because he would have received nearly $2.7 million this year in the final season of a four-year deal.

The Dolphins signaled Carpenter's job was jeopardy when they drafted Sturgis in the fifth round in April. Sturgis set a school record for field goals at Florida, where he went 70 for 88, including eight successful kicks from 50 yards and beyond.

The rookie made a 58-yard field goal in an exhibition game Friday and Jacksonville and hit all six of his kickoffs into the end zone.

Carpenter reached the Pro Bowl in 2009 and holds the team record with a 60-yard field goal in 2010. He went 22 for 27 last year, but he's only 10 for 20 in his career from 50 yards and beyond.

General manager Jeff Ireland released a statement thanking Carpenter, who was active in community fundraising and children's events.

"For the past five seasons Dan has been a tireless worker on the field, while devoting countless hours of his time off the field to the betterment of the South Florida community," Ireland said. "He has been a productive player and an outstanding citizen, and we wish him and his wife, Kaela, all the best."